This thesis examines energy use in Canada in the early to mid-1980's to mid-1990's to
investigate what factors caused energy use and greenhouse gas emissions to rise. Trends
from this period in energy use and fuel mix are also projected to the years 2000 and 2010.
In addition, Canada is compared to 12 other OECD countries to determine whether
differences in climate, geography and industrial structure account for differences in
absolute and per capita energy use between Canada and these countries.
Changes in activity were the main drivers of the increases in energy use and greenhouse
gas emissions in the 1980's and 1990's. This influence was partially offset by declines in
energy intensity. Structural changes tended to have a less profound impact. Based on
trends from this period, both energy use and greenhouse gas emissions will continue
rising. More positively, there already are trends towards less greenhouse gas-intensive
fuels in some sectors.
Climate, geography and industrial structure do not account for differences in per capita
energy use between Canada and other industrialized countries. The one exception is the
United States. This implies that, with the exception of the U.S., Canada is relatively less
energy efficient than other industrialized countries.